Non-Conventional Tendon Advance for injuries in zones I and II New Surgical Technique

Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2694-0248/013

Non-Conventional Tendon Advance for injuries in zones I and II New Surgical Technique

  • Francisco López Bustos, 1*

*Corresponding Author: Francisco López Bustos,

Citation: Francisco López Bustos. (2021) Non-Conventional Tendon Advance for injuries in zones I and II New Surgical Technique. J. Clinical Orthopedics and Trauma Care, 3(1); Doi:10.31579/2694-0248/013

Copyright: © 2021 Francisco López Bustos, This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 12 October 2021 | Accepted: 22 November 2021 | Published: 10 December 2021

Keywords: Non-Conventional Tendon

Abstract

Once a primary suture of flexor tendon in zone II of Verdan is unable to be performed, or in those cases in which a re-rupture of a primary tenorraphy occurs, the tendon graft is the goldstandard option.

Introduction

Once a primary suture of flexor tendon in zone II of Verdan is unable to be performed, or in those cases in which a re-rupture of a primary tenorraphy occurs, the tendon graft is the goldstandard option.

The adherence rates in primary suture, as well as the inherent co-morbilty related to use of tendon grafts whether from the forearm or the foot, are widely known [1, 2, 3].

The results of these last methods are, in most of their cases, less satisfactory than those in which primary suture is carried out.

Considering these instances, a procedure which dispenses flexor graft is presented.

 This technique consist in performing a zetaplasty in zone V of the proximal stump of the flexor committed, making its progress in that area, and  thereby achieving the distal stump to carry out an end to end suture in zone I or II. In case the shortening of the proximal stump is considerable, and thus the end to end suture is unable, we propose to suture then lengthened proximal stump to the nearest uninjured flexor profundus tendon.

In earlier reports from 1950[1] and 1981[1], encouraging results of lengthening of flexor pollicis longus in zone V for rupture of this tendon are described. Le Viet [1] performed a zetaplasty of profundus flexors in order to achieve a primary suture in cases of retraction of the proximal stump.

In a more recent study [1], these procedures are described just for treatment of jersey finger injuries. 

In view that these techniques have been used only for specific cases, we consider important to describe our results in other cases.

Material and Methods

13 flexor tendon injuries in 13 patients were operated on.      

9 (69,23 %) were male, and 4 were female. Average age was 29 years (range 20-49 years). Dominant hand was affected in 84,61 % of the cases (11 of 13 cases). 

The most affected finger was the little (6 cases), followed by the index (3 cases). Middle (2 cases), and ring (2 cases) completed the series.

7 cases constisted of rupture of primary suture of profundus flexor tendon, and the remaining 6 were untreated profundus flexor tendon injuries which had such degree of shrinkage, that make impossible any attempt to carry out an end to end suture.

In 4 cases (30,77 %) suture of injured collateral nerves was excute. This procedure delayed the rehabilitation period.

In 7 cases tendon advance was performed by zetaplasty in zone V of the same affected tendon, thus achieving the distal stump to carry out the end 

to end suture.

In 6 cases in which the shortening of the proximal stump was considerable, a suture of the lengthened proximal stump to the nearest and unscathed profundus flexor tendon was execute.

After surgery, an above elbow cast was used for protection of the suture for 4 weeks.

Rehabilitation exercises began following the removing of the cast, and progressive load was applied to the hand 8 weeks after the surgery.

Strickland punctuation system [2] was used to assess the results.

“Statistical analysis was carried out with an IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0”. This analysis was developed with a non-parametric median test.

Results

Average follow up was 17,23 months (rate 32-6 months).

Tendon progress achieved for the total sample was 20,53 mm (12-32 mm).

Zetaplasties in zone V yielded an average advance of 18 mm, whereas the inter-tendon sutures 23,5 mm. These contrasts were statistically significant. (p=0,029).

Regarding the Strickland punctuation, good and excellent results were present in almost all cases.

Figure
Table 

Discussion

Reconstruction of profundus flexor tendon is indicated in cases of failure of primary repairs, late diagnosis with retraction of proximal stump, and in complex injuries with tissue defect.

Prognosis in reconstructions is determined by the delay in treatment, the rate of tendon retraction, it´s blood supply, the soft tissue environment, the indemnity of the superficial flexor tendon, and surgeon´s experience.

Surgical options include tendon advance, grafts in one or two procedures, tendon transfers, and silastic prosthesis. Other rescue surgeries include arthrodesis, capsulodesis, and tenodesis, etc.

According to bibliography, grafts in all its variants, are the most popular and the very first chosen. Although, there is not still agreement on which tendon would be the best graft, diameter, length, and resilience must be taken into consideration. The most often used are Flexor Palmaris Brevis, Plantaris, Extensor Digiti Quinti, Extensor Indicis, and Toes Extensors [1, 2 ,3] .Allografts have also been proposed [12].

More recently, in a series of 71 cases [13], vascularized tendon grafts have been proposed.

Synthetic implants can be used, provided they are well tolerated [13, 14, 15].

Sita and Durand, [16] proposed the reconstruction in zones I and II by transferring a half tendon of the adjacent flexor superficialis tendon.

Regarding tendon lengthening in forearm [6], there have been recent reports. Chanel et al, [7] in 2014 assessed the advance of flexor profundus tendon by performing a zetaplasty as a treatment for the jersey finger. This tendon advance was limited due to presence of the lumbrical muscle and the synovial adherence. No restrictions in the index were reported. Although this technique was proposed for this last pathology, we consider that the zetaplasty might weaken the tendon, and therefore increase the adherence rate.

Any of these procedures needs a very careful technique and an extensive experience in flexor tendon repair.

With regard to this technique, we consider among its advantages, the minor complexity, the lower co-morbidity, and the decrease in surgical time. These benefits might be greater in case more fingers are needed of repair.

The proposed technique can be applied in 1 or two steps.

Since the tendon original blood supply is preserved, and the anatomic diameters of the stumps are similar, the glide through the pulleys shall not be restricted. 

A weakness in the tendon after the zetaplasty, which can be reinforced by inter tendon suture, might be a disadvantage of the technique.

We consider that the number of cases is still low, but the short term results encourage continuing to perform this technique regarding its simplicity, low morbidity, and early recovery.

Conclusions

Proper indications for this new technique of non-conventional tendon advance of the fingers in injuries in zones I and II are: acute and chronic trauma where the retraction of the proximal stumps makes the primary suture unable.

Its versatility lies on the possibility of carrying out an end to end suture of a retracted tendon disregarding a tendon graft. A Z lengthening is performed in the proximal stump in zone V so as to suture it to the distal stump, or to attach this last one to the distal phalanx.

We emphasize that the requirement of tendon grafts is left aside, decreasing thereby the morbidity of the procedure.

The need of a second approach in the wrist must be considered, though, in order to carry out the zetaplasty, tendon advance, or inter tendon suture.

The performance in 1 or 2 steps can be determined by the surgeon, provided the presence of adherences, or the requirement of reconstruction of the pulleys.

This new technique is presented as an alternative to the classic option of the tendon grafts in cases of a single or multiple injuries of flexor tendons.

More comparative studies will be needed so as to achieve more definitive conclusions.

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad